If like me you have been sent a Settlement Demand letter from Getty Images or indeed any photo library, you may well be experiencing a host of different emotions right now. However take it from me, there are a number of solutions and they won’t cost you anywhere near the extortionate amounts shown in the letter you have.

I have spent many weeks researching and learning about what others in a similar situation were doing upon getting such demand letters; so you won’t need anywhere near that amount of effort as everything I found is documented right here on this website.

It’s a fact – if you want a successful and appealing website then you need images, and lots of them!No matter what area of business you are in, using images is vital for creating visually rich content and good-looking design.

You need images for Websites, Mobile sites, Blog Posts, Facebook Fan Pages, Powerpoint presentations, eBooks and written reports, Videos and so much more…… Don’t risk your reputation and livelihood by using a “free” photo.

OK let’s cut to the chase

Diagnose

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IS SERIOUS BUSINESS

Here are a few examples of why copyright infringements may occur:

A friend or relative creates a new website and uses what they think are “free” stock images.

A website designer uses “free” images only to find that they have been hoodwinked or the images are subsequently bought by a stock library and damages are retrospectively demanded.

You buy or take over a website only to find that the images on it have not been paid for.

Here’s What Others Are Saying About Getty Images Letters

This is a descriptive and colloquial term for Getty Images’ deliberate, malicious, bullying, and presumptuous letter campaign that engages in what is tantamount to legalized extortion. The letter in its entirety is both well worded and well constructed. It has clearly been well thought out. Because of the deliberate construction and planning that goes into this letter campaign, it qualifies as a Scheme.

The Letter automatically presumes guilt of the recipient. The letter recipient is expected to provide proof of their innocence. In effect, the letter recipient is presumed guilty unless they prove their innocence.

Although the letter does provide for the possibility that the letter recipient was unaware and unintended of the alleged infringement, the Letter takes a heavy-handed and unforgiving approach of stating that they are responsible for all alleged “damages and liability”. The Letter automatically presumes Getty Images has been “damaged” whether or not that is actually true or proven.

Because this scheme relies heavily on the letter recipient’s ignorance of due legal process and people’s inherent fear of legal conflict as a result of that ignorance, it is considered by many as legalized extortion.

Given the overall assessment of the situation, the term “legalized extortion” was coined to better describe Getty Images very aggressive letter campaign.

Understand

What You Need To Do NOW

(If you do not have a license/contract to use an image)

The very first thing you need to do is to CALM DOWN and TAKE A BREATH! Tens of thousands of these extortion letters have gone out over the years. You are far from being alone.

Mistakes are made and so the next step is to make sure that you (or your web designers) don’t actually have a license to use the image/s referred to in any demand letter. If so then you just need to contact Getty Images with a copy of the license.

You should immediately remove ALL copies of the allegedly infringing images from your web server. Even the “hidden” ones. If it is anywhere on your web server, you are at risk.

You should not ignore letters from Getty Images or their solicitors, as this can be seen as an admission of liability.

GET EDUCATED. Do it as soon as possible. Don’t say you don’t have the time. You better make the time. It is you or your company at risk here. You received the letter so now YOU have a problem to deal with. It is YOUR problem. The problem will not go away by itself. Make the time to GET EDUCATED.

OVERCOME!

DISCOVER MY COMPLETE SOLUTION

As the owner of a busy online reputation management & marketing consultancy I opted for a solution that minimized the time I needed to spend on this problem, and was the cheapest available with a proven track record of success.

My case was resolved successfully and for very much less than even I expected. Now I want you to benefit and have the same opportunity to resolve your own case. I have negotiated:

A Professional Business Package

that will make this as Easy as 1-2-3

Here’s what you get

*Totally “Done For You” by experienced solicitors

* Fixed Price – No Surprises or “Hourly” Charges

* You approve all letters before they are sent

* All work totally compliant with UK Law.

* Telephone number (& Email) to contact your case worker

***There are cheaper alternatives for those wishing to use a DIY methods and I have written about 2 of these also. I personally can only vouch for the effectiveness of my chosen solution, as I did not have the time to try the DIY methods. If you have I respect your choice.